Characterization
Pops had told Rex prior to the race that Rex was not yet prepared to compete at the professional racing level. With less than one lap to go in his first major race, Rex was leading and cruising toward victory, but lost control of the car and wrecked it. Pops exploded with anger and berated Rex. In even more enraged response, Rex fled the family and exiled himself while vowing to become the world's greatest race car driver. During his exile, Rex assumed the mysterious Racer X (a.k.a. Masked Racer) identity, to pursue his racing career.
In several stories Racer X is seen as an international spy or agent and is often responsible for thwarting evil globalist or corporate schemes. In this persona, he is often portrayed wearing a white linen suit, Panama hat and wrap around sunglasses. Racer X's agent persona is clearly identified with the Western Powers of the Cold War and is inspired by John Heath. He also seems at times to be working in cooperation with Inspector Detector, though it is not clear if he actually works for the same organization. Inspector Detector also seems to know about racer X's identity though again it is unclear if this knowledge is mutually shared through the relationship or that the Inspector has a dossier on X.
Read more about this topic: Racer X (Speed Racer Character)